Reflection Ch 1 IBUS 255

As an International student, who moved to Canada 5 years ago, I saw so many differences between the norms here in Canada and my country, Iran. When I moved here, I told myself that I would learn and adapt to the way that people live here. However, I have a friend who moved with his family to Canada from Iran more than 15 years ago. His mother cannot speak English after living here for a long time. I never knew the answer till I read this Chapter. Culture can be learned; culture is the norms, beliefs and the way that people in one-community follow and live according to.

I was able to learn and adapt the new culture in less than 2 years because I wanted to feel and experience the same culture as Canadians (people who live here). The 2 years period was my time to learn English. However, my friend’s mom did not want to adapt to new community and follow new norms, she wanted to keep her own culture and speak her language. By learning new language, we are able to learn more about new culture. We will open a new door to understand how beliefs and norms work in different culture.

We are able to understand and learn new cultures if we want and willing to sacrifice our own beliefs. The most important fact is willing to accept that our beliefs can be mistaken in foreign culture. It is easier to make switch when you are young and the norms and beliefs are not fundamental. It is harder for older people to change their norms because they become a belief.